Stockton's Marshall Plan group likes old idea

STOCKTON, CA - They're called Marshall Plan Stakeholders and they met for just the second time Friday in Stockton.

The group of about two dozen community leaders have been recruited by Mayor Ann Johnston to research and suggest solutions to the city's long-time and serious crime problem.

San Joaquin County Attorney General Jim Willett said a promising approach is Operation Cease Fire, which was also tried in 1998, when Stockton was experiencing a similar violence outbreak.

Dozens of young men on parole were brought to a gathering of police and prison officials and told if they continued a lifestyle of crime they'd go back to prison. On the other hand, the men were told, they'd be offered job training and other help to get them out of a criminal lifestyle.

Willett said the approach seemed to have worked, as crime trends eased.

The Marshall Plan committee will meet every few weeks. It's being assisted by a criminal justice consultant hired by the city.

Also in the group; Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones, San Joaquin County Sheriff Steve Moore, as well as religious, education and community leaders.